Urachal sinus

A urachal sinus is a rare birth defect involving a small tube-like structure called the urachus. During fetal development, the urachus connects the bladder to the belly button (umbilicus) and normally closes completely before birth. In a urachal sinus, one end of this channel — usually the end near the belly button — stays open instead of closing all the way. This creates a small pocket or tract just under the skin near the navel that can collect fluid and become infected. Most people with a urachal sinus are diagnosed in childhood, often because the area around the belly button looks red, swollen, or drains fluid or pus. Some people may not notice any symptoms until an infection develops. The condition is sometimes called an umbilical urachal sinus or patent urachal sinus. It is different from a fully open urachus (patent urachus), where the entire channel stays open between the bladder and belly button. The good news is that urachal sinus is treatable. Surgery to remove the sinus tract is the standard approach and is usually curative. Without treatment, repeated infections can occur. With proper surgical care, most people recover fully and have no long-term problems. Early diagnosis and treatment lead to the best outcomes.

Bring these to your next appointment

• Q1.What imaging tests do you recommend to fully map the sinus tract before surgery?,What surgical approach do you plan to use, and will it be minimally invasive?,What are the risks of surgery, and what is the expected recovery time?,How will you make sure the entire sinus tract is removed to prevent recurrence?,What follow-up is needed after surgery to check for recurrence or other urachal problems?,Is there any long-term risk of urachal cancer, and how should we monitor for it?,What signs of complications should I watch for after surgery?

Common questions about Urachal sinus

Related conditions

Other rare diseases commonly researched alongside Urachal sinus.

• Patent urachus→
• Urachal cyst→